AAA Mid-Atlantic projects more than one million New Jersey residents are expected to travel 50 miles or more from their homes. That's nearly 5 percent more than last year.

The auto club says 53 percent of holiday travelers are expected to travel to the Jersey shore.

Top News Photos of the Week

“AAA is forecasting a lift in Labor Day travel this year due to an increasingly positive economic outlook, with key indicators (such as unemployment and the housing market) rebounding as the year goes on,” said Jenny M. Robinson, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “For many Americans, positive economic growth, coupled with decreasing gas prices, contribute to an increased comfort level about traveling for the last three-day weekend of summer.”

Some Jersey Shore towns are reporting beach badge sales are lagging from last year. They blame rainy weather early in the summer season and a lack of rentals caused by Superstorm Sandy.